PODCAST
A Fresh Perspective
May 20th, 2013
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
After years of reading 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “Love Chapter,” we can easily lose sight of its powerful message. But the NIV translation gives us a fresh perspective on this familiar passage. The word in verse 7 actually means protects. If we love someone in the way Paul describes, we will protect that person’s reputation.
Often when we are in conflict with another Christian, we tell others about the conflict by saying, “I love her in Christ, but listen to what she did!” Far from protecting this person, such talk actively tears down her reputation. When we do this, we are not loving.
Certainly we cannot muster up the kind of love Paul describes with our own power, yet as we read in the beginning of today’s scripture, all our religious efforts and spiritual gifts are meaningless unless accompanied by this love, the love Christ himself demonstrated. Our only hope of loving in this way is “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 7:25).
Author: Marsha Turner-Shear
May 20th, 2013 at 5:58 pm
5/20/2013
Marsha Turner-Shear,
Please note “Ephesians 5:10-14” and the fact a specific situation might involve a Christian brother or sister being involved in the “fruitless deeds
of darkness”.
The “Study Notes” from the “Life Application Bible” on “Ephesians 5:10-14”
include the following: It is important to avoid the “fruitless deeds of
darkness” (any pleasureor activity that results in sin), but we must go even further. Paul instructs us to expose these deeds, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right.
Marsha, you wrote ” ‘I love her in Christ, but listen to what she did!’ ” “Far from protecting this person, such talk actively tears down her reputation. When we do this, we are not loving.”
Marsha, please explain how a Christian is supposed to obey
“Ephesians 5:10-14” when he/she knows that a brother/sister in Christ is involved with the “fruitless deeds of darkness”.
Thank you for your time in explaining how you would obey “Ephesians 5:10-14”
when you know that a brother/sister in Christ is involved in the “fruitless
deeds of darkness”.
In Christ,
Jim Boyd
May 20th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
5/20/2013
Marsha Turner-Shear,
Marsha, you wrote, ” ‘I love her in Christ, but listen to what she did!’ ”
“Far from protecting this person, such talk actively tears down her reputation.
When we do this, we are not loving.”
However, we are commanded in “James 5:19-20”:
19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone
turns him back,
20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will
save a soul from deathand cover a multitude of sins.
Marsha, how would obey “James 5:19-20” when you are absolutely certain
that a brother/sister in Christ is involved in the “fruitless deeds of darkness”?
Thank you for your time in explaining how you would obey “James 5:19-20”
when you are absolutely certain that a brother/sister in Christ is involved in
the “fruitless deeds of darkness”.
In Christ,
Jim Boyd
May 20th, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Jim Boyd quoted: “Marsha, you wrote ” ‘I love her in Christ, but listen to what she did!’ ” “Far from protecting this person, such talk actively tears down her reputation. When we do this, we are not loving.”
I took Marsha’s statement as referencing someone who is “gossiping.” If she were rebuking an improper behavior, she should first go directly to that person. (Matthew 18:15-17).
May 20th, 2013 at 10:55 pm
There is a fine line in “counseling” a fellow brother or sister in Christ and “judging” that person.
Our responsibility is to “love” that person enough to “understand” their reasons for the inappropriate behavior. In counseling with love, we must remember that we can’t take the speck out of someone’s eye when we have a plank in ours (Luke 6:42). Thus, transparency of our current or past sins might help in the heart-to-heart conversation that explains the risks being taken (both in reality and spiritually).
May 21st, 2013 at 7:10 am
Following Matthew 18:17, we don’t hear the appropriate actions of “the Church” after an issue has been brought forward — first, individually, then in front of two witnesses.
Assumption is that they first pray and turn it over to the Holy Spirit; then, teach how the Holy Spirit rebukes us with the consequences of our sins, the counsel of others, and reminds us of the teaching of the scriptures.
May 21st, 2013 at 7:30 am
Also, following Matthew 18:17, we have to search out how Jesus treated the tax collectors and pagans.
According to Matthew 9:11, He associated with the tax collectors (presumably to give them a proper example of love).
May 21st, 2013 at 7:42 am
Refer to 1 Peter 2:12 as far as are treatment of pagans.
The key to our associations is not to let them influence “you.” You are to influence them and not fall prey to their influence.
May 21st, 2013 at 8:20 am
In 1 Corinthians 5:11, we are told not to associate with brothers or sisters in Christ that are sinning; however, if we keep reading we are asked a question in 1 Corinthians 5:12.
“Judging” is not listed in the attributes of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) or listed as in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22); thus, only the Holy Spirit within can answer how to proceed.
We are to walk in the light and light “the way to Jesus.”
May 21st, 2013 at 8:29 am
We are to “judge whether or not something is truth and walk in The Way of truth” — judge not the person!
April 27th, 2020 at 8:04 am
Realmente não devemos julgar a pessoa mas sim suas ações.
Segundo Romanos 14 não devemos julgar o servo alheio v.4; porque ser infrutífero caracteriza fraqueza na fé, e isso por si só já é pecado, lembre-se que esse servo é de Deus e cabe à Ele julgá-lo!
August 8th, 2023 at 10:06 pm
It would be nice if you could include all of the material that is in your printed edition online. Most of the time I don’t have time to read the booklet but can pull the devotion online … but I really miss not having the hymn, missionaries to pray for.